This series was set up to be one of the biggest mismatches in Cubs history.
The Cardinals came into this game having won 18 of 19, including a four-game sweep of the Cubs at Wrigley Field last weekend.
The Cubs, meanwhile, entered it on the downswing, including losing a number of players who likely went on the COVID-19 list, though that was not specifically stated.
And yet, this motley group of Cubs played the Cardinals even for eight innings, with solid pitching and a timely home run, before succumbing in the ninth and losing 4-3.